Quebec ski hills rejoice after major snowstorm

Quebec ski hill operatorsare breathing a sigh of relief after the southern part of the province was hit with its first major snowstorm of the season.

Montreal got nearly 40 centimetreson Tuesday, while ski resorts in theLaurentians and the Eastern Townships were also walloped with snow.

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SbastienBertrand, a spokesman for Ski Saint-Bruno,said the storm was sorely needed.Until now, many Quebec hillswerelimited to a few runs.

"This year was difficult because it was very warm so we couldn't make snow," Bertrand said.

The conditions were so bad, earlier this monththat Quebec tour operators were scrambling to find last-minute accommodation in Western Canada because of the lack of snow at home.

Bertrandsaidthe current conditions also allows them to create artificial snow in case it gets warmer.

He's hopefulchair lifts will be full for the rest of the holiday season starting today.

"I think there's still time," he said.

"Now that the snow is here, we still have about a week leftofthe holidays, so a lot of people can come."